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Dr. Kate

Angel on Snowshoes

Rebecca Wojahn

 

Pioneering North Woods doctor Kate Pelham Newcomb comes to life in this biography for young readers, who will warm to Kate's spirit of compassion and never-say-never attitude.

 

104 pages, 7 x 9, 55 b&w photos
Paperback: $12.95 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-421-0
Ebook: $9.99 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-526-2
Publication Date: 3/20/2009

Reading Level: Ages 8–14, Grades 3–8

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Front cover of Dr. Kate: Angel on Snowshoes

Description

Born in 1885, Kate Pelham was supposed to grow up to be a proper young lady in Boston. But, despite her father's wishes, she was determined to be a doctor. After medical school, Kate and her husband moved to the clean air of northern Wisconsin to aid her husband's health. Before long, Kate knew every back road and cabin in the North Woods. She visited patients by snowmobile, by canoe, and by snowshoe, and she never sent a bill. Instead, she was paid in firewood and vegetables and became a beloved and vital member of the community. This pioneering doctor comes fully to life in Dr. Kate: Angel on Snowshoes.

Beyond making house calls throughout the North Woods, what Kate dreamed of more than anything for her patients was a hospital. And that's when the children of the community got involved. They set out to collect a million pennies—$10,000—to help Dr. Kate build a hospital. As the news spread, coins poured in from countries across the globe. Students carted bushels of pennies, and Dr. Kate read thousands of letters cheering on her effort. Her dream came true in 1954 when the Lakeland Memorial Hospital opened its doors.

This accessible biography for young readers includes historic images, a glossary of terms, sidebars on the medical profession, and suggestions for discussion.

Rebecca Hogue Wojahn author photo

Author Bio

Rebecca Hogue Wojahn, also known as W. H. Beck, is the author of middle-grade novels, nonfiction picture books, biographies, and educational series. Her previous books include Glow: Animals with Their Own Night-Lights; Saving Our Sturgeon (Wisconsin Historical Society Press); and the Follow That Food Chain series. Spanning different genres and age levels, her books have been honored by state and regional awards, the National Science Teachers Association, Junior Library Guild selection, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. When not writing, Wojahn teaches in a high school library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Front cover of Dr. Kate: Angel on Snowshoes

Dr. Kate

Angel on Snowshoes

Rebecca Wojahn

104 pages, 7 x 9, 55 b&w photos; ages 8–14

To purchase a copy, follow the links below or visit your favorite bookseller.

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Last Updated: June 6, 2026


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